Hearing Aid Recycling Program (HARP)

Do you know someone who has difficulty hearing but is unable to afford hearing aids? The UWSHC Hearing Aid Recycling Program (HARP) provides free or low-cost reconditioned behind-the-ear hearing aids, ear molds, and batteries to individuals with low-incomes. This program is supported by generous donations from community members, Epic Systems Corporation, Starkey Hearing Technologies, the UW-Madison Student Academy of Audiology, and the former Sertoma Club of Madison.

Our clinic sees approximately one to two new HARP recipients per month during the academic year. Due the large number of HARP applicants and recipients, there is a waiting list for new HARP patients. If you are interested in the HARP program, please fill out, date, and submit an application. We continue to welcome and appreciate used hearing aid donations to the program, as the donations are how we are able to provide refurbished hearing aids that patients receive.

Financial Criteria

HARP is designed to be the program of last resort for people who have no other financial resources available. If an applicant has another source of funding for hearing aids, s/he is not eligible for the HARP program. Other options for assistance include private insurance, state Medicaid programs, BadgerCare, Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans Administration, church groups, family or friend assistance, or other state or local programs. HARP may not be the appropriate program for applicants who have family support or funds in money market accounts, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, IRAs, certificates of deposit (CDs), checking/saving accounts, stocks, bonds, or T-bills. HARP considers all these factors when determining eligibility. See the HARP application for specific financial eligibility guidelines.

Location

To provide complete support services, HARP gives preference to people living in Dane county and surrounding communities.

Audiologic Criteria

People who have moderate to profound bilateral hearing loss are given highest priority because of the significant impact this can have on communication. Our audiologists must also agree that the recipient will achieve reasonable benefit from the hearing aid(s).

If you feel you are eligible after reviewing the eligibility requirements, please either:

Our hearing aid drop-off locations provide the program with an important source of aids and needed funding. Used hearing aids should not sit idle, so please drop off or mail any old hearing aids at one of the following locations below.